CS&A Design Apprentice Review

In my current role, I am developing new skills and receiving new tasks continually. I have worked on CAD and 3D models, either creating my own new drawings or modifying them. I converse with many different people in my team daily, face to face, by email and by phone. My responsibilities are growing as I learn new things, but ultimately my responsibility is to ensure the work I am carrying out is credible and uses the most up to date information currently available to me.

My communication skills have been put to the test since starting the apprenticeship and most definitely improved. Conversing professionally comes with practice and dealing with such a large team which is spread throughout the UK is definitely improving my communication skills. I am also developing my technical skills like using CAD and 3D models as well as using and producing documents including technical information.

I enjoy my programme as I am able to learn by experience as well as in a classroom. I have already met so many new people so far and learnt lots about my project and company. There is also the added benefit of myself and my education being paid for.

My programme is well structured and organised. It is designed to equip me with the skills and knowledge I need to carry out my role. As well as working in the office and my education, I am working towards a Government Technician Standard which requires me to collect evidence for Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours. This is another opportunity to show what I have learnt.

My employer provides plenty of support to all of its employees. I have monthly meetings and reviews with my coordinator, line manager, work manager and mentor so that they can see what I have been doing and what else I could be doing. They are keen for me to do the best I can and provide plenty of potential opportunities.

When carrying out assignments for my qualifications, most of the 'pass' criteria is taught to me. When it comes to 'merit' and 'distinction' criteria, I am required to carry out further research. My training provider provides plenty of resources for research. If I need extra assistance for my assignments, I am able to ask or email tutors for help.

The qualification that I am carrying out may not always directly translate across into my work. However, the knowledge that I acquire when carrying out my qualification builds my overall knowledge in work, although I may not be necessarily using the knowledge right now, it will most likely be needed in the future.

The graduates and apprentices run social events throughout the year to get involved in. There are also plenty of activities run in the office usually to raise money for charity. As part of the union, there is a Young Professionals Network which provide events to attend. There is also the Young Generation Network which provides events as part of the Nuclear Institute.

Yes

From an apprentice point of view, Sellafield Ltd is committed to providing and equipping young people with as much experience and knowledge as possible to continue the successes of the company in years to come. We lead a healthy challenge culture to ensure the security and safety of the company, public and environment.

Show your willingness to learn and improve. Express why you want to work for Sellafield Ltd and why you want the role you have applied for. Make sure that you sell yourself but making sure you are still honest. Most importantly make sure you research Sellafield's history, what we do now and what the plans for the future may be.